AC Milan has shown a strong interest in acquiring a new striker, which has put several teams on alert, potentially sparking a bidding war. The Italian club’s search for a new forward has reportedly reached Spain, with Atlético Madrid’s Memphis Depay emerging as a possible target. With uncertainty surrounding Álvaro Morata’s future at the club, Depay could be the chosen one for the Rossoneri.
Currently, Memphis Depay is with the Dutch national team, where he holds a starting position. He was handpicked by Ronald Koeman, who played a key role in bringing him to La Liga during their time together at FC Barcelona. However, his stint in Spain was unremarkable, as he failed to impress as a Barcelona player and eventually left the club when Xavi took over. He then joined Atlético Madrid in the 2022 transfer window.
While playing under Diego Simeone, Depay struggled to make a significant impact and often found himself on the bench, used as a substitute. Although his performance improved over time, the club’s management seems reluctant to extend his contract. He has not completed a full match since January and was even left out of the squad in the last league game. It appears that Depay’s time in La Liga is coming to an end, with his Atlético Madrid tenure being considered one of the club’s worst signings.
Despite his inconsistent form, Depay has attracted interest from several competitive teams due to his experience in various leagues, European competition experience, and goal-scoring ability. According to sports journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, AC Milan is considering Depay as a potential option to replace Olivier Giroud, who is set to leave for the MLS at the age of 37.
While Depay is not Milan’s top choice, the club is also looking at other options, including Joshua Zirkzee, a fellow Dutch player who currently plays in Serie A. Zirkzee, who is only 23 years old, has been in great form this season, scoring 12 goals. However, his market value is high, making it challenging for Milan to secure his services.
In addition to Zirkzee, Milan is reportedly considering Ermedin Demirovic, a Bosnian player who plays in the Bundesliga and has impressive goal-scoring and assist statistics. Although Demirovic’s price tag is lower than Depay’s, Milan may still face financial constraints in acquiring him.
Considering the various options available, Depay remains the most feasible choice for AC Milan, as he would come at no transfer cost and could rediscover his best form with regular playing time. While Atlético Madrid is keen on offloading him in the upcoming transfer window, negotiations for his departure seem to be stalling.